Someday we may become unable to manage our finances or make health and personal care decisions for ourselves. Incapacity can strike at any age, but the risk increases as we grow older. If we become incapacitated who will make decisions for us? Will it be the right person? Will they understand and follow our wishes? […]
Power of Attorney: Issues to Consider
“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” So wrote 19th Century poet William Ernest Henley, expressing a human desire that may be harder to attain in the 21st. Life expectancies have soared over the past 100 years. But, as we live longer, the risks increase that due to […]
Does Your Eighteen-Year-Old Have a Power of Attorney? Don’t Let Them Leave Home Without it
It’s that time of year . . . high school graduations are around the corner and many 18-year-olds are planning excitedly for the move out of your house, their start in the work force, or their trip to college. What do they usually forget? A Power of Attorney. Why does that matter? You won’t have […]
Government Clarifies Rules for Disclosures to Patient’s Family Members
Originally Published December 4, 2003 Written By: Attorney Jeffrey A. Marshall, CELA* Many health care providers are confused about releasing information to family members of their patients. The Federal Government’s Health and Human Services website recently posted some helpful explanations and illustrations on this topic. Here is the text, taken from Message 488 posted 11/4/03. […]
The Dawning of the Age of HIPAA
Originally Published April 30, 2003 Written By: Attorney Jeffrey A. Marshall, CELA* What is a HIPAA? Is it… (A) a female hippopotamus, (B) a horrible new disease, or (C) new federal regulations, effective on April 14th, which protect the privacy rights of patients? Well, if you answered (C) federal regulations covering patient privacy, you’re correct, […]